Euro-Spec Volkswagen Passat GTE Gets 141 MPG

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Nothing like the combo of gasoline and lithium-ion.

Volkswagen is serious about being a world leader in fuel efficiency. It builds EVs, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and state-of-the-art gasoline and diesel engines that manage fuel extremely well. Oh yeah, there’s also that high-tech XL1, but for now the German automaker is set to unveil its Passat GTE at Paris later this week. Like the Golf GTE revealed earlier this year, the Passat GTE makes use of a conventional gasoline engine combined with an electric motor.

However, we’re talking about the new Euro-spec Passat here; the US has its own version and the GTE is for Europe only. With its 1.4-liter turbo four banger producing 154 horsepower that’s paired to an electric motor with 114 hp, you’re looking at a total of 215 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed DSG gearbox is standard, sending power to the front wheels. Performance is also fairly respectable, making the sprint from 0-62 mph in less than eight seconds and a top speed of more than 136 mph. In "E-Mode," it can hit 80 mph, while VW claims the Passat GTE can cover a distance of up to 31 miles in all-electric mode.

The driver can also control the E-Mode at will with the simple push of a button. Most impressively, however, is the driving range when in combined gasoline-electric mode. VW says 620 miles – roughly the distance from Paris to London and back – can be expected on a full tank without refueling. No charging. No extra gasoline. Nothing. Nada. The Passat GTE will be sold as both a sedan and wagon when it goes on sale in Europe in the second half of next year.